William Glegg (1716 – 21 February 1786) was an English politician and lawyer who served as a Member of Parliament for Chester. He was a prominent figure within the Cheshire gentry and inherited a significant family estate.
Early Life and Family Born in 1716, William Glegg was the son of Edward Glegg of Gayton Hall, Wirral, Cheshire, and Mary Glegg (née Holland). The Glegg family was an ancient and influential landowning family in Cheshire, with roots tracing back centuries. He inherited the family seat of Gayton Hall, located in the Wirral Peninsula, which had been in the Glegg family for many generations.
Education and Legal Career Glegg pursued a career in law. He was admitted to Lincoln's Inn, one of the four Inns of Court in London, on 20 February 1735, qualifying as a barrister. His legal background likely aided his political ambitions and administrative roles.
Political Career William Glegg entered national politics when he was elected as a Member of Parliament for the city of Chester. He served as MP for Chester from 1747 to 1754. His election was likely influenced by his family's local standing and connections. During his time in Parliament, he generally supported the Whig government of the time. While his parliamentary career was not marked by high-profile ministerial roles, he represented the interests of his constituency and the landed gentry.
Personal Life In 1746, William Glegg married Mary Bold, daughter of Peter Bold of Bold Hall, Lancashire, another prominent gentry family. They had several children, including a son named John Glegg, who continued the family line. William Glegg managed his extensive estates in Cheshire, including Gayton Hall, throughout his life.
Death William Glegg died on 21 February 1786 at the age of 70. He was succeeded in his estates by his son, John Glegg. His life reflected the typical trajectory of a landed gentleman in 18th-century England, combining legal profession, political service, and estate management.